Athletics coach Joginder Saini dies

Saini, who remained the chief national athletics coach for many years from the 1970s to 90s, was not keeping well for the past few days.“I am truly sad to hear of the passing away of our colleague, my chief coach and mentor, Mr. JS Saini,” AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said.

Born on January 1, 1930 in Hoshiarpur district in Punjab, Saini was a science graduate and became an athletics coach in 1954 after completing a diploma in physical education and a course in coaching at the NIS Patiala.

He became the chief coach of the then Amateur Athletics Federation of India in 1970.Saini received the Dronacharya Award in 1997 for his contribution to Indian athletics.

He was the chief coach of the Indian athletics team which won 18 medals, including eight golds, at the 1978 Asian Games.